Switched power over Ethernet connector

ABSTRACT

A modular connector including a pair of energizable contacts that facilitate an electrical path which may be de-energized by a switch component.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority from U.S.Application Ser. No. 62/457,452, filed Feb. 10, 2017 which is herebyfully incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

There are several common techniques for power over Ethernet (“PoE”) thathave been developed and used in practice. The Institute of Electricaland Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”) established and continue to establishvarious standards for PoE, namely, IEEE 802.3 and more specifically802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3bt, etc. The IEEE standards provide for signalingbetween the power sourcing equipment (“PSE”) and powered device (“PD”).

PSE is a device such as a network switch that provides (or sources)power in common mode over two or more of the differential pairs of wiresfound in the Ethernet cable. A PD is a device powered by a PSE and thusconsumes energy. Examples include wireless access points, InternetProtocol (“IP”) phones and cameras, wireless access points, etc.

An energized PoE electrical path is not “closed” or “made,” electricallycoupled or in electrical communication when the PD contacts physicallyengage the PSE contacts (i.e., power does not pass from the PSE to thePD, or vice versa, simply by engagement of the respective contacts),rather the standards provide a protocol with stages of powering up anenergized PoE electrical path. Control circuitry associated with the PSEfunctions in accordance with certain instructions to perform a series ofsteps. First, the PSE detects the classification resistance of the PD.Second, the PSE outputs an initial classification voltage and reads theload at the PD to confirm correct classification of PoE. Third, the PSEoutputs a ramping startup voltage so that current will begin to flow.Fourth, the PSE supplies a normal operating voltage and current flow tothe PD.

The maximum continuous output power a PSE can sink per Ethernet cablewas originally the 802.3af PoE standard with ˜13 W that would beavailable at the PD input's RJ-45. Since then, the market has continuedto demand more power. So, in 2009, the IEEE standard was revised andreleased IEEE 802.3at (also known as PoE+), which increased the maximumPD power level to 25.5 W. Currently, the IEEE 802.3bt (also known asPoE++ or 4PPoE), will provide PDs with up to 71 W of power (Type 3) orup to 90-100 W (Type 4), where each twisted pair will need to handle acurrent of up to 600 mA (Type 3) or 960 mA (Type 4). With more power,developers can easily add more features and upgrade existing products.It is conceivable that the current maximum PSE power outputs willcontinue to rise (for example, 60V at 2 A (120 W) has been proposed) asfurther developments are made related to PoE.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described in the detailed descriptionof the disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key oressential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is itintended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present disclosure generally relates to modular jack and plugconnectors. More particularly, the present disclosure relates toswitched modular jack and plug connectors for advantageous use inconnection with PoE applications.

Generally, a modular connector, as disclosed herein, may include a pairof energizable contacts that facilitate an electrical path that may bede-energized by a switch component.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a modular connector mayinclude. a plurality of contacts including a pair of the contacts thatare energizable by an electric power source and facilitate an energizedelectrical path. A switching component may be in electricalcommunication with the pair of contacts such that the pair of contactsis de-energized when the switching component is disposed in an openstate.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a modular connectorassembly may include a jack with a plurality of jack contacts, a controlcircuit in electrical communication with an electrical power source toenergize a pair of the jack contacts, a plug with a plurality of plugcontacts engaging the jack contacts, wherein a pair of the plug contactsengage the pair of jack contacts to define an energized electrical path.A switching component, in a closed state, may be in electricalcommunication with the control circuit and configured to move to an openstate upon relative movement between the plug and the jack so that theelectrical path is de-energized while the pair of jack contacts and thepair of plug contacts remain engaged.

In other aspects of the present disclosure, a power over Ethernetassembly may include a power source equipment including a jack with aplurality of jack contacts, a control circuit in electricalcommunication with an electrical power source to energize a pair of thejack contacts, a powered device including a plug with a plurality ofplug contacts engaging the jack contacts, wherein a pair of the plugcontacts engage the pair of jack contacts to define an energizedelectrical path. A switching component, in a closed state, may be inelectrical communication with the control circuit and configured to moveto an open state upon relative movement between the plug and the jack sothat the electrical path is de-energized while the pair of jack contactsand the pair of plug contacts remain engaged.

In a still further aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofpreventing an arc between a powered device and a connected power sourceequipment may include moving a plug of the powered device, actuating aswitching component in response thereto, and de-energizing theelectrical path in response thereto. Preferably, in an embodiment, acontrol circuit may be in electrical communication with an electricalpower source, an energized electrical path may be defined among theelectrical power source, a pair of contacts of the power sourceequipment, and a pair of contacts disposed of the powered device, andthe switching component may be in electrical communication with thecontrol circuit and connected to the jack.

In other aspects of the present disclosure, the switching component maybe selected from the group consisting of a micro-switch, a nano-switch,an optical switch, a proximity switch, a reed switch, an infra-redswitch, a tactile switch, and a pressure switch; the receptacle mayinclude an opening, a back wall opposite the opening and a plurality ofside walls that each extend between the opening and the back wall andthe switching component is disposed on one of the back wall and sidewalls; the switching component may be responsive to movement of theplug; the switching component may be a pressure switch disposed on aside wall of the receptacle configured for engagement with a latchportion of the plug; the switching component may be a pressure sensordisposed on a side wall of the receptacle configured for engagement witha latch portion of the plug; the switching component may be selectedfrom the group consisting of a switch element and a sensor; theswitching component may be a sensor in communication with a switchelement; the switching component may be a pressure switch disposed theplug configured for engagement with a latch portion of the plug; theswitching component may be a pressure sensor disposed on the plugconfigured for engagement with a latch portion of the plug; and theswitching component is disposed on the plug.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe disclosure, is better understood when read in conjunction with theappended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure,exemplary constructions of the inventions of the disclosure are shown inthe drawings. However, the disclosure and the inventions herein are notlimited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 depicts a window in a left side of the jack opening where aswitch is positioned.

FIG. 2 depicts a bottom view of the printed circuit board for the jackin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the jack in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4a and 4b depict a side sectional view of a connected modularconnector assembly.

FIG. 5 depicts a side sectional view of a disconnected modularconnectors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following disclosure as a whole may be best understood by referenceto the provided detailed description when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, drawing description, abstract, background, fieldof the disclosure, and associated headings. Identical reference numeralswhen found on different figures identify the same elements or afunctionally equivalent element. The elements listed in the abstract arenot referenced but nevertheless refer by association to the elements ofthe detailed description and associated disclosure.

While there is a protocol to “close” or “make” an energized PoEelectrical path (i.e., passing power such that there is electricalcommunication or electrical coupling) only after engagement of thecontacts of the PD with the PSE, there is no protocol to “open,”“break,” or de-energize the PoE electrical path, except by controlcircuitry detection after disengagement of the respective contacts. Thisis a major disadvantage, oversight and downfall of the standards andprior art since it has been observed that upon disengagement of the PDcontacts from the PSE contacts there is a brief electric discharge inthe form of an arc (i.e., a parting arc, break arc or opening arc) thatoccurs as the energized PoE electrical path is opened or broken whilecurrent is flowing. The surge of current melts the contacts at the lastpoint of engagement and causes a brief parting arc as a gap developsbetween the contacts. As current flows through the extremely small pointin the contacts, it heats up due to a small amount of resistance. As isknown, when current moves through something that has resistance, itdissipates energy in the form of heat. More current or more resistancedissipate more heat. Current flowing through a small point causestemperatures to rise to many thousands of degrees. The point can becomeso hot that the surrounding air is turned to plasma, and the metal onthe contacts are turned to vapor. The arc quenches quickly but particlesof melted metal (i.e., sparks) are discharged. The high temperatures areoften accompanied by the emission of light, and often sound.

While the control circuitry that manages the power up protocol alsomonitors for the “opening” or “breaking” of the energized PoE electricalpath, it is too slow to react to prevent arcing and sparks. Currently,the control circuitry can cut power to, de-couple electricalcommunication, or de-energize the PoE electrical path within 15microseconds after disengagement of the contacts. However, the first arcpulse occurs within 5 nanoseconds of disengagement of the contacts andthe spark discharge damages the contacts by changing the molecularstructure of the contact (e.g., porosity, micro-surface alterations,etc.) leaving a “hot” spot on the contact and cold working the contactwhich causes higher resistance when the PD is reconnected to the PSEsuch that the connection is or will be no longer acceptable as per otherstandards existing or later developed.

Therefore, this disclosure is directed to address this discovered needin the art for a simple, effective and economical apparatus, device andmethod that safely and protectively “opens” or “breaks” (i.e.,de-energizes) the PoE electrical path (i.e., “closed” or “made,”electrically coupled or electrical communication of power) before the PDcontacts are physically disconnected or disengaged from the PSEcontacts, without any arcing or spark damage to such contacts.

FIG. 1 depicts a window in a left side of the jack opening where aswitch, such as a surface mount switch, or the like, etc., may bedisposed. If the switch is disposed on a printed circuit board, rigid orflexible, or other substrate associated with the jack (collectively,“PCB”), then a sensor in electrical communication with the switch thatis disposed remote from the PCB may be used in combination with theswitch to provide the intended functionality. Either the switch or thesensor will be referred to as a switching component herein. Otherlocations for the switch and/or sensor will be described herein. Theswitching component is electrically connected to or in electricalcommunication with the PoE channels for the jack. When the switchingcomponent 102 is engaged, made, or otherwise disposed a closed state thepower to the PoE channels is connected and PoE power energizes the jackand is capable of flowing there through when matingly connected with acomplementary plug. When the switching component is disengaged,disconnected, or otherwise disposed in an open state power is preventedfrom flowing to the PoE channels. The switching component is configuredto move from the closed state to the open state in response to amovement of the plug with respect to the jack before the plug contactsdisengage or disconnect from the jack contacts to prevent arcing andsparks.

The switching component can be any type or kind of switching componentthat would provide or facilitate the intended functionality switchincluding an infrared switch, reed switch or tactile switch or anyrelated or compatible sensor. In one embodiment, the switching componentdeactivates or moves from the closed state to the open state in responseto, in one embodiment, less than 0.01 inches of movement of the plug orany portion thereof.

FIG. 2 depicts a bottom view of the PCB for the jack. A plug that hascorresponding complementary contacts engage the jack contacts 104 suchthat the plug and jack contacts are in electrical communication with theswitching component 102. When the plug contacts are disengaged ordisconnected from the jack contacts or the plug is removed form thejack, the plug contacts are no longer in electrical communication withthe switching component, and PoE power is not delivered to the plug.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the jack showing the contacts 104disposed in the receptacle of the jack. The switching component may bedisposed anywhere in the receptacle that is advantageous in order toperform and achieve the intended functionality of this disclosure.Additionally, it is within the teachings of the present disclosure thatthe switching component may be disposed on the plug in any manner orlocation in order to determine relative movement between the plug andjack such that the intended functionality may be achieved.

FIGS. 4a and 4b depict in one embodiment, a modular connector assembly200 including a jack 202 having a receptacle 210 with a plurality ofjack contacts 212 disposed within the receptacle 210 and a plug 204including a plurality of plug contacts 222 that each engagecorresponding complementary jack contacts 212. In another embodiment,FIGS. 4a and 4b depict a power over Ethernet assembly 200 including apower source equipment 201 including a jack 202 having receptacle 210and a plurality of jack contacts 212 disposed within the receptacle 201and a powered device 203 including a plug 204 received within thereceptacle 210 where the plug 204 has a plurality of plug contacts 222that each engage corresponding complementary jack contacts 212.

Preferably, a control circuit 230 is disposed in electricalcommunication with an electrical power source 240 so that the controlcircuit 230 may energize a pair of the jack contacts 212 as per theapplicable standards protocol. One of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that more than one pair of jack contacts 212 may be energizedand that the applicable standards protocol will control.

A pair of the plug contacts 222 are disposed to each engage one of thepair of jack contacts 212 that are energized by the control circuit 230in order to define an energized electrical path through the assembly 200from the electrical power source 240 to the powered device 203. Again,one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that it is desirable forthe pair(s) of plug contact 222 that may be energized match the pair(s)of jack contact 212 that will be energized, all in accordance withapplicable standards.

A switching component 250 (when referenced generally or collectively,and 250 a, 250 b, 250 c, and 250 d when referenced specifically) isdisposed in electrical communication with the control circuit 230 and,in this embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, is disposed in a closed state, aswould be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, theswitching component 250 may be a switch element (i.e., structure thatperforms the switching functionality between open state and closed stateat the location of the switching component) or a sensor in communicationwith a switch element or switching functionality disposed in the controlcircuit 230 (i.e., the sensor sends a signal to the control circuit 230switch element to perform the switching functionality).

Preferably, the switch component 250 has a normally open configurationand is responsive to movement of the plug 204 with respect to the jack202, or relative movement there between. In one embodiment, theswitching component 250 is configured to move to an open state uponrelative movement between the plug 204 and the jack 202 so that theelectrical path is de-energized while the pair of jack contacts 212 andthe pair of plug contacts 222 remain engaged. The maximum relativemovement before triggering the switching component 250 to move to theopen state is no greater than the range of 0.040 inches. Accordingly, arange between 0-0.040 inches is acceptable in order to observe theadvantages of this disclosure, but more preferably in the range of0-0.020, and most preferably in the range of 0-0.005 inches toaccommodate for further improvements or developments in PoE technology.

The advantages described herein may be achieved by using a switchingcomponent 250 such as a micro-switch, a nano-switch, an optical switch,a proximity switch, a reed switch, an infra-red switch, a tactileswitch, a pressure switch, or any other similar switch and/or sensorthat provides the intended functionality as described herein. Theforegoing list is merely an example of currently know structure thatwill provide the intended functionality, and is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the switch component 250 may be disposed in or on thejack 202, and in another embodiment, the switch component 250 may bedisposed in or on the plug 204. Regardless of positioning or location,the functionality is the same. Multiple locations of the switchcomponent 250 are shown in the various drawings and shall not belimiting in any manner, as other locations may be advantages in order toprovide the intended functionality. For example, the switch component250 in the jack 202 may be disposed on a back wall 214 of the receptacle210 (see 250 b) opposite the opening of the receptacle or on one of theside walls 216 of the receptacle 210 (see 250 a) that extend between theopening and back wall 214 of the receptacle 210. Switch component 250 cand 250 d may disposed on a body 224 of the plug 204, such as the nose(see 250 d) or the top (see 250 c).

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the switching component 250is a pressure switch 250 a disposed on a side wall of the receptacle 210configured for engagement with a latch portion 226 of the plug 204. Anobvious variant, as mentioned herein, is a pressure sensor 250 adisposed on a side wall of the receptacle 210 configured for engagementwith a latch portion 226 of the plug 204. One of skill in the art willrecognize that movement of the latch 226 is an initial movement of theplug 204 in order to achieve separation of the plug 204 from the jack202. However, the jack contacts 212 and plug contacts 222 remain engagedduring this initial movement, and will remain engaged for apre-determination extraction distance. Preferably, the extractiondistance necessary to achieve distinct separation of the plug 204 fromthe jack 202 is within the ranges set forth herein.

In another alternative of the advantageous embodiment described herein,the switching component 250 is a pressure switch 250 c disposed in theplug 204 configured for engagement with a latch portion 226 of the plug204. Again, an obvious variant, as mentioned herein, is a pressuresensor 250 c disposed in the plug 204 configured for engagement with alatch portion 226 of the plug 204.

In operation, a method of preventing an arc between the contacts of aplug 204 and the contacts of a jack 202 in a PoE application (i.e.,where a powered device is connected to a power source equipment) mayinclude the steps of moving the plug 204, actuating a switch component250 in response thereto so as to move the switching component 250 from aclosed state to an open state, and de-energizing the electrical path inresponse to the actuating step before the energized contacts 212 of thejack 202 are disengaged from the contacts 222 of the plug 204. As setforth in this disclosure, this method also describes a control circuit230 in electrical communication with an electrical power source 240 andan energized electrical path defined among the electrical power source,a pair of the plurality of contacts 212 in a jack 202 of the powersource equipment 201, and a pair of the plurality of contacts 222disposed on a plug 204 of the powered device 203 received within areceptacle 210 of the jack 202. The switching component 250 is inelectrical communication with the control circuit 230 and is connectedto the pair of the plurality of jack contacts 212. Preferably, themoving step includes moving a latch portion 226 of the plug 204 withrespect to the jack 202, moving a body portion 224 of the plug 204 withrespect to the jack 202, or any other type of relative movement therebetween. Certain types of switch components 250 b and 250 d may beadvantageously used with respect to relative movement between the backwall 214 and the nose 228 of the plug 204, such as any that have beendescribed herein or any other later developed structure that providesthe intended functionality. Preferably, the de-energizing step iscompleted before the plug is moved 0.005 inches.

FIG. 5 depicts two disconnected or separated modular connectors that mayform a modular connector assembly when joined, as described herein. Oneof skill in the art will recognize a plug 204 on the left and a jack 202on the right. In one embodiment, which is similar as described herein,which similarities will not be repeated for the sake of brevity, butshall address or fill in any inadequate description hereafter, includingwithout limitation like structure and functionality regardless ifreference numerals are provided, a modular connector includes aplurality of contacts in one of a jack 202 and a plug 204 that areconfigured to engage a corresponding complementary contact disposed onan other of the jack 202 and the plug 204. A pair of the contacts in theone of the jack 202 and the plug 204 are energizable by connection to anelectric power source 240 and configured to facilitate an energizedelectrical path when engaged with the other of the jack 202 and the plug24. A switching component 250 is in electrical communication with thepair of contacts such that the pair of contacts is de-energized when theswitching component 250 is disposed in an open state. The switchingcomponent 250 is closed when the plug 204 is matingly received withinthe receptacle 210 and is responsive to movement of the plug 204. Allother alternatives and additionally described components, elements,limitations or other items shall also be applicable to this embodimentlikewise.

The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose ofexplanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the presentinvention disclosed herein. While the invention has been described withreference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, whichhave been used herein, are words of description and illustration, ratherthan words of limitation. Further, although the invention has beendescribed herein with reference to particular means, materials andembodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to theparticulars disclosed herein; rather, the invention extends to allfunctionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are withinthe scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having thebenefit of the teachings of this specification, may affect numerousmodifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention in its aspects.

Any other undisclosed or incidental details of the construction orcomposition of the various elements of the disclosed embodiment of thepresent disclosed concepts are not believed to be critical to theachievement of the advantages of the disclosed concepts, so long as theelements possess the attributes needed for them to perform as disclosed.Certainly, one skilled in the electrical and electronic arts would beable to conceive of a wide variety of alternative configurations andsuccessful combinations thereof. The selection of these and otherdetails of construction are believed to be well within the ability ofone of even rudimental skills in this area, in view of the presentdisclosure. Illustrative embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in considerable detail for the purpose of disclosing apractical, operative structure whereby the disclosed concepts may bepracticed advantageously. The designs described herein are intended tobe exemplary only. The novel characteristics of the disclosed conceptsmay be incorporated in other structural forms without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. The disclosed concepts encompassembodiments both comprising and consisting of the elements describedwith reference to the illustrative embodiments. Unless otherwiseindicated, all ordinary words and terms used herein shall take theircustomary meaning as defined in The New Shorter Oxford EnglishDictionary, 2007 Sixth Edition. All technical terms shall take on theircustomary meaning as established by the appropriate technical disciplineutilized by those normally skilled in that particular art area.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A modular connector comprising: a pluralityof contacts in one of a jack and a plug that are configured to engage acorresponding complementary contact disposed on another of the jack andthe plug; a pair of the contacts in the jack that are energized by aconnection to an external electric power source and are configured tofacilitate an energized electrical path; and an electrical switchingcomponent not in electrical communication with the energized contactsand the energized electrical path, the electrical switching componentbeing positioned on an inner wall in a receptacle in the jack with theswitching component coming into contact with a surface of the plug whena surface of the plug engages the receptacle, wherein the plug does notinclude any portion of the switching component, the electrical switchingcomponent is positioned such that the electrical switching component isdisposed in a closed state when the plug is in contact with theelectrical switching component and the electrical switching component isin an open state when the plug disengages the electrical switchingcomponent, and the electrical switching component is in electricalcommunication with the external power source via an electrical pathseparate from the energized electrical path such that the electricalswitching component transmits an analog control signal to the externalpower supply to stop the transmission of power.
 2. The connector ofclaim 1, wherein the switching component is selected from the groupconsisting of a micro-switch, a nano-switch, an optical switch, aproximity switch, a reed switch, an infra-red switch, a tactile switch,and a pressure switch.
 3. The connector of claim 1, wherein the jackincludes an opening in the receptacle, a back wall opposite the openingand a plurality of side walls that each extend between the opening andthe back wall.
 4. The connector of claim 1, wherein the switchingcomponent is closed when the plug is received within the jack.
 5. Theconnector of claim 1, wherein the switching component is responsive tomovement of the plug.
 6. The connector of claim 1, wherein the switchingcomponent is a pressure switch element disposed on an upper inner wallof the jack.
 7. The connector of claim 1, wherein the switchingcomponent is selected from the group consisting of a switch element anda sensor.
 8. The connector of claim 1, wherein the switching componentis a sensor in communication with a switch element.
 9. The connector ofclaim 3, wherein the opening is configured to matingly receive the plug.10. The connector of claim 9, wherein the plurality of contacts in thejack are disposed within the opening and engage a correspondingcomplementary one of the plurality of contacts in the plug receivedwithin the jack.
 11. A modular connector assembly comprising: a jackincluding a receptacle having a plurality of jack contacts disposedwithin the receptacle; an analog control circuit in electricalcommunication with an external electrical power source to energize apair of the jack contacts; a plug including a plurality of plug contactsthat each engage corresponding complementary jack contacts, wherein apair of the plug contacts each engage one of the pair of jack contactsto define an energized electrical path; an electrical switchingcomponent not in electrical communication with the energized contactsand the energized electrical path, the electrical switching componentbeing positioned on an inner surface of the receptacle with theswitching component coming into contact with a surface of the plug whenthe plug engages the receptacle, wherein the plug does not include anyportion of the switching component, the electrical switching componentis positioned such that the electrical switching component is disposedin a closed state when the jack engages the plug and is disposed in anopen state when the plug is moved towards an opening in the receptacle,the electrical switching component is in electrical communication withthe control circuit and disposed in a closed state such that the controlcircuit transmits an analog control signal to the external power sourcevia an electrical path separate from the energized path, the signalcausing the external power source to only transmit power to the jackwhen the electrical switching component is in the closed state.
 12. Theassembly of claim 11, wherein the switching component is selected fromthe group consisting of a micro-switch, a nano-switch, an opticalswitch, a proximity switch, a reed switch, an infra-red switch, atactile switch, and a pressure switch.
 13. The assembly of claim 11,wherein the receptacle includes the opening, a back wall opposite theopening and a plurality of side walls that each extend between theopening and the back wall and the switching component is disposed on oneof the back wall and side walls.
 14. The assembly of claim 11, whereinthe switching component is responsive to movement of the plug.
 15. Theassembly of claim 11, wherein the switching component is a pressureswitch disposed on a side wall of the receptacle configured forengagement with a latch portion of the plug.
 16. The assembly of claim11, wherein the switching component is a pressure sensor disposed on aside wall of the receptacle configured for engagement with a latchportion of the plug.
 17. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the switchingcomponent is selected from the group consisting of a switch element anda sensor.
 18. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the switching componentis a sensor in communication with a switch element.
 19. The assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the switching component is a pressure switch elementdisposed on a latch portion of the plug that is configured forengagement with an upper inner wall of the jack.